I leaned up against Emma’s desk with my ass and rubbed my forehead with one hand, while holding the phone with the other.
I realized she was doing this to get back at me, she was jealous. I had never felt that feeling until I saw Emma with the other guys.
“It is nothing against you, Maddy. We were on the same page, just having a good time when I was in Houston, and then when I moved here at first, but I’m going to just come out and be honest here…I have loved Emma for a long time, but I didn't let myself believe it.”
“So you used me?” She said, and I heard the hurt in her voice.
“Yes, sadly I did. Just like you used me. We were a good time for each other, but I had never given you any thoughts or hopes for a future, nor did you with me, which is why we worked so well together. Now, I am asking you, one more time, please tell Emma that we are not involved still. I am begging you, because if you don't, this lie you have spoken is going to hurt a lot more than just me and Emma.”
I put the phone on speakerphone and asked if she was still there. Maddy responded and cleared her throat.
“Emma, I am sorry I lied. I had hoped that Cash would come around after he called it off, he would miss me, and come back to me. He is telling the truth, we haven't seen each other since that night at Blue’s.”
Emma sat up to lean toward my phone and I moved over so she could, “Why were you at his apartment then?”
“Pathetically, I’ve gone there a few times. I was hoping to run into him.”
I wanted to scream I was innocent. The verdict was in.
Emma spoke up, “I’m sorry that Cash hurt you, but he has hurt me too.”
Maddy began to talk and I grabbed the phone up from the desk, pushing off speakerphone. I cut her off, telling her I needed to go, and thanking her for clearing that up for me. She apologized one more time and then I hung up, not needing to hear anything else she was going to try to say.
Emma stood up and reached for a hug. I held her and I took a breath, breathing in her hair scent. I kissed her lightly and stroked her hair.
“I wish you would have believed me without me having to call her.”
“I wish I could have too.”
“You know I can’t pay for all my mistakes for the rest of our lives, don't you? There is going to have to be a point that you trust me.”
“I know.”
The baby began to move and I got to feel it for the first time. I stepped back to touch her belly and smiled.
“The baby has been moving a lot today.”
“Maybe it knows we are about to finally figure everything out.”
“All I want to do is make you and our baby happy.”
I sealed that with a kiss.
28
CASH
I had walked into Maxwell’s hoping that her father, Mr. Gray, wouldn’t be there yet, and I would still have some time to get my nerves calmed. I was a nervous wreck standing face-to-face with the man who loved Emma more than anything. I was dressed like I was going for a job interview, hoping he would answer yes, without hesitation.
But Mr. Gray was already there, with a cup of coffee, reading a paper, and seemingly calm.
I walked up with a nervous grin on my face. “Mr. Gray.”
“Yes.” He looked up and put down his newspaper. “I got here a little early.”
“I’m going to go and order me a coffee, can I get you anything else?”
“Another coffee black would be great.”
After a quick few minutes, I was at the table again, feeling I needed to say what I came to say before I burst. I had never really respected another man, and Mr. Gray was certainly someone I respected. He had raised Emma, and raised her well.
“Although I do love to get out of the house for coffee, I am curious as to our little meeting.”
“Yes, sir…I bet you are.”
Our coffee was set in front of us by a waitress and I took a sip then cleared my throat.
“I invited you here because I want to ask Emma…”
“My little girl…” he said in an intimidating manner.
“To marry me.”
He sat back in his chair and starred at me, thinking over the words I had muttered.
I watched him to see what his mannerisms were, and to see if I could predict what he was going to say. I failed at that though.
“Does Emma know you are here?
“No…”
“Why?”
“I wanted to get your permission first.”
“I see, so if I was to say no, you won’t ask her?
Was this a trick? I wasn't sure how I was going to answer that.
“I honestly haven't thought about it yet. I would hope your answer wouldn’t be no.”
Mr. Gray fixed his circular glasses and rearranged himself in his chair, then propped one leg up on his knee, with his hand on the temple. He was wearing a pair of khakis and a golf shirt the color of University of Texas with a longhorn in the right corner. Aunt Rhonda also was a fan of Longhorn football.
“My family has always been close. I have always been a papa bear, which annoyed the girls but they understood it as they got older…” He seemed to get lost in thought for a minute and then smiled. “We are very open, and I’m not naïve enough to think my daughters are innocent. I know they aren't. But I do know you have hurt my Emma quite a few times.”
“That is without a doubt the truth. I have. I was dishonest, and ran away like a coward, a man who couldn't commit but that is not who I am now.”
“What changed then, if you don't mind me asking?”
“My entire life. I know you probably
